President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Fox News host Jessica Tarlov on Tuesday, July 29, posting on Truth Social that he cannot stand the liberal commentator and calling her a real loser. The inflammatory message came moments after Tarlov delivered an emotional segment on “The Five” regarding Monday’s mass shooting in Manhattan that killed four people.
Trump’s post arrived between 5:11 and 5:13 p.m. EST as Tarlov was concluding her comments about the New York rampage. The timing suggests the president was watching the show live when he decided to publicly criticize the co-host. Tarlov had been discussing the shooting suspect, Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old who used an assault rifle in his attack and had been issued a concealed firearms permit by the Las Vegas Police Department despite having a documented mental health history.
During her segment, Tarlov expressed heartbreak for the victims before pivoting to discuss potential gun control measures. She questioned how Tamura obtained his concealed carry license even in Nevada and suggested that preventing such incidents should be part of the conversation. Tarlov noted that while it would be impossible to stop all perpetrators, preventing even one attack could save lives, specifically referencing the four people who died in the Manhattan office shooting.
The Fox News host cited statistics from Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who had appeared on CNN’s “Inside Politics” earlier Tuesday, calling for tougher firearms laws. Tarlov supported Hochul’s assertion that the federal assault weapons ban, which was in effect from 1994 to 2004, had been successful in reducing mass shootings. She claimed that during the ban period, mass shootings were 70 percent less likely to occur, but spiked again after the legislation expired under President Bush.
This marks the latest in a series of public feuds between Trump and Tarlov. In October, Trump included her among what he called Harris Radical Left Democrat mouthpieces and criticized Fox News for losing its way. Last month, he posted on Truth Social, questioning why the network allows Tarlov to appear on “The Five,” describing her voice, manner, and commentary as a disgrace to television broadcasting.
In 2023, Trump provided his own review of “The Five” on Truth Social, singling out Tarlov for particularly harsh criticism. He described her as wacky and absolutely terrible, claiming her facts were knowingly wrong and her presentation was horrendous. Trump also criticized her voice as grating and unendurable, stating he found her impossible to take in large doses and that he was exposing what he called fake news and fake people.
Tarlov, 40, brings extensive academic credentials to her role at Fox News, holding two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics. She previously worked as a Democratic strategist under pollster Douglas Schoen and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Research and Consumer Insight for Bustle Digital Group. Her background in analyzing voter behavior, particularly among younger demographics, informs her commentary on the network.
As the lone liberal voice on “The Five,” Tarlov frequently clashes with her conservative co-hosts over Trump’s policies and legal controversies. She has previously called a Trump interview with Black journalists a dumpster fire and has been vocal about his various scandals. Her role on the show is specifically to provide counterpoints to the network’s typically conservative-leaning commentary.
Beyond the gun control comments that triggered Tuesday’s attack, Tarlov also mentioned Trump’s approval ratings during the same episode. She referenced Wall Street Journal polling data suggesting the president’s numbers had gone underwater due to backlash over mass ICE deportations. On her social media account, she reposted a CBS News poll showing declining approval ratings, along with commentary about movement in the wrong direction for Trump.
The incident reflects broader tensions between Trump and News Corp properties, which include both Fox News and The Wall Street Journal. Trump is currently pursuing a defamation lawsuit against the Journal over reporting about an alleged birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein, with his legal team even suggesting that 94-year-old Rupert Murdoch be deposed due to his oversight of both publications.
Despite Trump’s repeated public criticisms, “The Five” remains one of cable news’ most-watched programs, with Tarlov continuing in her role as a rotating co-host. Her willingness to challenge pro-Trump narratives on a conservative-leaning network has made her a polarizing figure, drawing both support from viewers who appreciate her perspective and criticism from those who align with Trump’s assessment of her commentary.
